Looking Towards Fort Worth

Pastors who are not appointed to local churches always feel a little strange during significant holy seasons, especially during Holy Week. This is a special week for me, not only do I make it a time for some significant reading, study and specialized prayer and devotions (this year I’m reading Crossan & Borg, The Final Week as well as a devotional throughout Lent by an Anglican Franciscan sister) but on this Holy Thursday I am launching the first electronic version of “On Moses’ Shoulders” as well as a blog on General Conference. It is my intention to blog at least weekly in the month leading up to General Conference. In addition to writing several stories communicating how the Minnesota delegation is faring during the marathon quadrennial event, I plan a daily blog with my impressions and thoughts about what is happening in Fort Worth. This is not meant to be particularly newsworthy (you can get plenty of news, including live streaming, from gc2008.umc.org) but rather to include my perspective on what is happening or not happening at General Conference.

“What difference does it make?” To the average person in the pew I think the importance of General Conference is way over-rated. Many of us who are more involved in denominational life try to make it much more important regardless of what part or parts of the political or theological spectrum we populate. There are few actions of general conference that make a radical difference in the average congregation. It may make a difference if we feel strongly about any particular issue or if an action of this body gives a particular class of individuals a right or privilege or takes one away. Regardless of where any one of us is on any issue, I think it is important to remember disciples of Jesus Christ will not be made as a result of actions taken in Fort Worth. Even in the church, regardless of one’s denomination, the legislative process is a lot like making sausage. I am convinced that what causes Jesus to shed the most tears is how people are treated not what decisions are made, although decisions may impact individuals greatly. The question remains, regardless of the issue, can we talk together in respectful ways? Can we listen to those with whom we do not agree? Can we be patient enough to hear another’s point of view and be open enough to the possibility that we may not be in sole possession of all truth and right?

We are not of one mind on any number of issues. I do not believe this General Conference will make definitive statements on human sexuality, clergy orders, itinerancy, or guaranteed appointments. I may be wrong. I believe the talk about ultimate separation will continue around the edges, but I do not believe it will occupy center stage. I am not sure we can ever agree on some of these issues. I am even more concerned that we cannot agree to disagree and thus we keep poking each other in the eye with a sharp stick. Is this how Christians are to behave towards one another?

I don’t like moving towards General Conference with the feeling of dis-ease that I have, but nonetheless, it is how I feel. I do have some sense of relief this time that I didn’t have in 2000 or 2004. I have no responsibility for the sessions. It will be interesting to see how the process plays itself out. For financial reasons it was decided to shorten General Conference by nearly two days. How this will play out remains to be seen because there were no major decisions made to do things differently. Just think, it will be like an annual conference session that starts every day at 8 am and concludes about 10 pm for ten straight days! At least in past General Conferences, Sunday, and depending on the workload of your legislative committee, much of Saturday gave you time to sleep, do a little sightseeing and laundry! Another prediction: Working for ten days straight will not improve dispositions!

Future blogs will focus on process, some issues, people who make a difference, and what are the Minnesotans doing at General Conference. Although we will have eight delegates (four lay and four clergy) seated as well as several reserves, most there will be doing other things. We’ll talk with them and report on what they are doing as well as the delegates. I may even regale you with some culinary exploits, although barbeque is not one of my areas of expertise!